Seniors

Asger Bentzen and his friend Liz Huff were walking on the grounds at Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens on April 26, 2022 when Asger spotted this special ‘adventure’ rock along the path. The rock originated in Port Angeles, Wash. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)

Retired geologist discovers travelling ‘adventure rock’ in Port Alberni

Rock originated in Port Angeles

Asger Bentzen and his friend Liz Huff were walking on the grounds at Tsawaayuus Rainbow Gardens on April 26, 2022 when Asger spotted this special ‘adventure’ rock along the path. The rock originated in Port Angeles, Wash. (SUSAN QUINN/ Alberni Valley News)
David Black owner of Black Press Media (left) and Judi Prewett, president of Carlton House, flank veteran John Hillman, 103, as he laps the Oak Bay courtyard to raise funds for Save the Children. (Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff)

Downpour doesn’t dampen Oak Bay veteran’s spirit as 103-year-old walks to Save the Children

War in Ukraine adds inspiration for third consecutive fundraiser by John Hillman

David Black owner of Black Press Media (left) and Judi Prewett, president of Carlton House, flank veteran John Hillman, 103, as he laps the Oak Bay courtyard to raise funds for Save the Children. (Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff)
A pilot program that allows seniors 80 and older to renew their driver’s licenses in Sooke has been extended through 2022. (File - Black Press Media)

Province extends pilot program for senior driving tests in Sooke

Pandemic measures have resulted in fewer referrals for drivers for on-road assessments

A pilot program that allows seniors 80 and older to renew their driver’s licenses in Sooke has been extended through 2022. (File - Black Press Media)
Residents are shown at Idola Saint-Jean long-term care home in Laval, Que., Friday, February 25, 2022. The latest census release on aging marks another milestone on the slow march to what experts warn will be a crisis in care for Canada’s elders. CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

2021 census shows number of seniors over 85 expected to triple in next 25 years

Last year the oldest baby boomers turned 76, and most probably live independently

Residents are shown at Idola Saint-Jean long-term care home in Laval, Que., Friday, February 25, 2022. The latest census release on aging marks another milestone on the slow march to what experts warn will be a crisis in care for Canada’s elders. CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
The B.C. 55-Plus Games, the province’s largest annual sporting competition, requires 1,500 volunteers and is expected to contribute over $3 million to the region’s economy. (Courtesy of 55-Plus BC Games)

1,500 volunteers needed for Victoria’s 55-Plus BC Games this year

Saanich Commonwealth Place host kickoff to volunteer drive on April 30

The B.C. 55-Plus Games, the province’s largest annual sporting competition, requires 1,500 volunteers and is expected to contribute over $3 million to the region’s economy. (Courtesy of 55-Plus BC Games)
Sidney resident Gladys Pfeffer (right) celebrated her 100th birthday on April 30. She is pictured with her granddaughter Jessica Pfeffer and her great-grandchild. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Pfeffer)

Lifetime of selfless volunteerism recalled as Sidney woman reaches 100

Gladys Pfeffer has long supported immigrants and refugees to Canada

Sidney resident Gladys Pfeffer (right) celebrated her 100th birthday on April 30. She is pictured with her granddaughter Jessica Pfeffer and her great-grandchild. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Pfeffer)
Parkwood Place resident Chuck Naylor helps Lansdowne Middle School students plant seeds in the community garden prior to making bee bombs. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)

Saanich retirement community makes Earth Day ‘bee bombs’ with help from middle school students

Bee bombs create a ‘highway’ for bees and insects, handmade from clay powder, compost and seeds

Parkwood Place resident Chuck Naylor helps Lansdowne Middle School students plant seeds in the community garden prior to making bee bombs. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)
While on his daily morning coffee run, Saanich resident Robert Davies, 90, found a large sum of cash and reported it to the police, who were able to reunite the person with their lost money. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)

Saanich senior discovers $1,600, ‘does the right thing’ by alerting police

Robert Davies finds cash on morning coffee run; police reunite money with owner

While on his daily morning coffee run, Saanich resident Robert Davies, 90, found a large sum of cash and reported it to the police, who were able to reunite the person with their lost money. (Megan Atkins-Baker/News Staff)
John Hillman, Second World War veteran and charitable walker, celebrated his 103rd birthday on March 18 at Carlton House in Oak Bay. (Jake Romphf/News Staff)

PHOTOS: Veteran, Oak Bay charitable inspiration John Hillman honoured at 103

Town crier proclamation, call from Canada’s immigration minister, part of celebration

John Hillman, Second World War veteran and charitable walker, celebrated his 103rd birthday on March 18 at Carlton House in Oak Bay. (Jake Romphf/News Staff)

Podcast: Ed Fergusson still lifting weights, coaching at age 87 after heart attack

PQBeat: Chat includes importance of strength training, pandemic struggles

Ken Dimond cuts his birthday cake as his grandson, Eric Staal, looks on. Photo by Terry Farrell

The secret to a long life? “Wake up every morning!,” says Courtenay man on his 105th birthday

Ken Dimond celebrates 105th birthday at Casa Loma with friends and family

Ken Dimond cuts his birthday cake as his grandson, Eric Staal, looks on. Photo by Terry Farrell
Six residents at The Heights at Mt. View long-term care home have tested positive for COVID-19 as of March 1, according to Island Health. (Google Streetview)

3 new Vancouver Island care home outbreaks begin, 4 others end

New COVID-19 outbreaks in Saanich, Salt Spring Island

Six residents at The Heights at Mt. View long-term care home have tested positive for COVID-19 as of March 1, according to Island Health. (Google Streetview)
People are shown inside Maison Herron, a long-term care home in the Montreal suburb of Dorval, Que., on Saturday, April 11, 2020. An advocate for seniors in British Columbia says a rise in volunteer services supporting the elderly has been one of the “brightest lights” throughout the pandemic. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Volunteers who supported seniors a lasting legacy of pandemic: B.C. seniors advocate

Isobel Mackenzie says nearly 26,000 seniors benefited from the generosity of over 13,000 volunteers

People are shown inside Maison Herron, a long-term care home in the Montreal suburb of Dorval, Que., on Saturday, April 11, 2020. An advocate for seniors in British Columbia says a rise in volunteer services supporting the elderly has been one of the “brightest lights” throughout the pandemic. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
North Island-Powell River MP asks about the GIS one-time payment during Question Period on Feb. 14. Photo courtesy Youtube.

GIS one-time payment coming earlier for affected seniors

Seniors affected by GIS cut to get funds in April, those in dire need can get emerg. funds in March

North Island-Powell River MP asks about the GIS one-time payment during Question Period on Feb. 14. Photo courtesy Youtube.
Liam Pope-Lau, right, and friend Kieran MacKay deliver valentines for residents at Revera Parkwood Place in 2021. This year they’ll deliver valentines created together with classmates to Shannon Oaks in Oak Bay. (Photo courtesy of Naomi Pope)

Inspired by crafts with grandma, Victoria student recruits classmates to make valentines

Middle schooler Liam Pope-Lau distributes thousands of cards to seniors in Greater Victoria

Liam Pope-Lau, right, and friend Kieran MacKay deliver valentines for residents at Revera Parkwood Place in 2021. This year they’ll deliver valentines created together with classmates to Shannon Oaks in Oak Bay. (Photo courtesy of Naomi Pope)
Lynn Fanelli and husband Paul.

Lack of heat in husband’s care home has Kelowna woman demanding provincial action

‘I want full disclosure for those who have a vested interest in the healthcare of family members’

Lynn Fanelli and husband Paul.
Study participants with better attitudes toward aging showed a 43 per cent reduced risk of all-cause mortality. (Metro Creative Graphics photo)

A positive outlook on getting old could help with aging, B.C. study says

Study author says negative attitudes toward aging could become a self-fulfilling prophecy

Study participants with better attitudes toward aging showed a 43 per cent reduced risk of all-cause mortality. (Metro Creative Graphics photo)
John Marinus and wife Denise at the Chateau Victoria in June of 2020. (Photo courtesy of Margaret McCormack)

Oak Bay resident honours her dad by stuffing seniors’ mailboxes with love

Community crafts cards for Valentine’s Day distribution

John Marinus and wife Denise at the Chateau Victoria in June of 2020. (Photo courtesy of Margaret McCormack)
Two residents at Selkirk Seniors Village in Victoria have tested positive for COVID-19, prompting Island Health to declare an outbreak. (Google Streetview)

Island Health declares new care home outbreaks in Victoria, Chemainus

Selkirk Seniors Village and Chemainus Health Care Centre impacted

Two residents at Selkirk Seniors Village in Victoria have tested positive for COVID-19, prompting Island Health to declare an outbreak. (Google Streetview)
As the cost of living rises, the Liberal government continues to deny some of the country’s poorest seniors the financial help they need, NDP MPs say. Unsplash.com image

Vulnerable seniors have been abandoned by the government: Island NDP MPs

MPs Blaney and Blaikie ask feds to provide ‘one-time emergency payment’ to seniors

As the cost of living rises, the Liberal government continues to deny some of the country’s poorest seniors the financial help they need, NDP MPs say. Unsplash.com image